Penguin in other media


The fictional supervillain Penguin made his first appearance in Detective Comics #58 and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, but has since been substantially adapted from the comics into various forms of media, including feature films, television series, and video games. For example, The Penguin has been voiced by Paul Williams and David Ogden Stiers in the DC animated universe, Tom Kenny in The Batman, and Nolan North in the video game series. His live-action portrayals include Burgess Meredith in the 1960s Batman television series and its spinoff film, Danny DeVito in Batman Returns, and Robin Lord Taylor in the television series Gotham.

Television

Live-action

''Batman'' (1966–1968 TV series)

The Penguin is in the 1960s Batman television series, in which he was portrayed by Burgess Meredith. Spencer Tracy was offered the role but he said he would only accept the role if he was allowed to kill Batman. Meredith's performance is perhaps best remembered for his signature laugh, meant to mimic the squawk of a penguin. His thugs wear black bowler hats and dark clothing adorned with names of various animals of prey, such as birds or fish, or sometimes simply "Henchman". His prison cell is in the "Supervillains" section next to that of Joker, Riddler, Catwoman, Egghead, King Tut, and adjoining the cell of forger Ballpoint Baxter. In one episode, he claims to have been an actor. In the theatrical film spin-off, he commands a nuclear submarine painted to resemble a penguin. His given name, Oswald Cobblepot, was never used in this series or the film; by Joker's subordinates, and even in criminal court, he is identified instead as "Mr. Penguin". He occasionally uses "Mr. P. N. Guinn" as an alias. Burgess Meredith also made a brief cameo appearance as the Penguin in the 1968 episode of The Monkees titled "Monkees Blow Their Minds".

''Gotham''

plays a young Oswald Cobblepot in the TV series Gotham, as one of the major characters in the show, and he also has been called the show's breakout character. This version of the character is a ruthless small-time criminal who, at the beginning of the series, works for mobster Fish Mooney. The series traces his rise to power and his journey towards becoming the Penguin. This version of the character has a complicated, love-hate relationship with fellow criminal Edward Nygma. The two teamed up but also attempted to kill one another throughout the series. In the final episode, set ten years in the future, Penguin has his usual girth while wearing his typical outfit of tuxedo, top hat and monocle while teaming with the Riddler. The pair are actually captured by Batman and hung up together on a light pole.

Animation

Live-action

''Lego Batman''

Penguin appears in Telltale Games' Batman series, voiced by Jason Spisak. This iteration of the character was the childhood friend of Bruce Wayne, is far more physically fit and less deformed than most versions of the character. Additionally, the Cobblepot family was not involved in crime or corrupt, but lost power due to the influence of Thomas Wayne and his allies. Unlike most versions of the character, Penguin gets his name from a beak-shaped gasmask he wears during his crimes, and uses gadgets and technology as opposed to birds and trick umbrellas.